\ v r ^ 




>* /' 















f0 V '° N ''«, "^ 
V > x 

.■A 



^ 










<p 






^ 



\^ r ^ 










^ 













o x 



x° °^. 



o > 






















... s 



















































iV 







PUBLISHED BY 

A. G. WEAVER, 
CHICAGO. 



^loNIAt AND KaTIONAI 



L ©lowed 

rllu^f^fioi?| 
of The flAgS anp 

^shingfonj (o^fof Af^n?§ 

J5^ ft/e (sluffyor* 





[THE LIBRARY 1 
OF C ONGR ESS 



22242 



m. 



Entered according to Act of Congress., 

in the year 1898, 

By ADDIE GUTHRIE WEAVER, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, 

at Washington, D. C, 










preface. 



For some years the Author has been interested in the history 
of our First Flag and its fair maker, Betsy Ross, and fortunately, 
through a family relationship with one of the descendants, be- 
came familiar with much of the family history. 

It seemed that so beautiful and estimable a lady, and one 
who played so important a part in those stirring events of our 
early history should be better known and appreciated by her 
sisters of to-day. 

Fitting, it seems, that while man in defending our Flag has 
accomplished his greatest achievements, and won undying fame, 
woman first fashioned into "a thing of beauty" the symbol of that 
patriotic devotion. 

To Air. George Canby of Philadelphia, and Mrs. Sophia Cam- 
pion Guthrie of Washington, D. C., grandson and great grand- 
daughter, respectively, of Betsy Ross, the author is indebted for 
family history that has inspired this work, and to them and other 
descendants, this book is affectionately dedicated by 

THE AUTHOR. 




mgJHZuse, of- Sefeey-^oss, ^jJJy^Stf^e.1^ 



XLhe £tor£ of ©ur dflao 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 



The history of our flag from its inception, in fact, the incep- 
tion itself, has been a source of much argument and great 
diversity of opinion. Many theories and mystifications have gone 
forth, mingled with a few facts, giving just enough color of truth 
to make them seem plausible. It is for the purpose of clearing 
away the veil of doubt that hangs around the origin of the Stars 
and Stripes that this book has been written. 

The Continental Congress in 1775 was very much disturbed 
over the embarrassing situation of the colonies, and after Wash- 
ington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Army, it 
showed its independence by appointing a committee composed of 
Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Harrison and Mr. Lynch to create 
a colonial flag that would be national in its tendency. They finally 
decided on one with thirteen bars, alternate red and white, the 
''King's Colors" with the crosses of St. Andrew and St. George 
in a field of blue. The cross of St. Andrew then, as now, was of 
white, while the cross of St. George was of red. The colonies 
still acknowledged the sovereignty of England — as this flag at- 
tested — but united against her tyranny. This was known as the 
"flag of our union" — that is, the union of the colonies, and was 
not created until after the committee had been to the camp at 
Cambridge and consulted with Washington. It was probably 
made either at the camp at Cambridge or in Boston, as it was 
unfurled by Washington under the Charter Oak on January 2, 
1776. It received thirteen cheers and a salute of thirteen guns. 

7 



8 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

It is not known whether Samuel Adams, the "Father of Lib- 
erty," was consulted in regard to this flag, but it is a well known 
fact that he was looking forward, even then, to the independence 
of the colonies, while Washington, Franklin and the others still 
looked for justice, — tardy though it might be, — from England. 

Two days later, on the 4th of January, 1776, Washington 
received the King's speech, and as it happened to come so near 
to the time of the adoption of the new flag, with the English 
crosses of St. Andrew and St. George, many of the regulars 
thought it meant submission, and the English seemed for the 
time to so understand it ; but our army showed great indignation 
over the King's speech to parliament, and burned all of the copies. 

In a letter of General Washington to Joseph Reed, written 
January 4, he says: "We are at length favored with the sight of 
his majesty's most gracious speech, breathing sentiments of ten- 
derness and compassion for his deluded American subjects. The 
speech I send you (a volume of them were sent out by the Boston 
gentry) was farcical enough and gave great joy to them without 
knowing or intending it, for on that day (the 2nd) which gave 
being to our new army, but before the proclamation came to 
hand, we hoisted the Union flag, in compliment to the United 
Colonies, but behold it was received at Boston as a token of the 
deep impression the speech had made upon us and as a signal of 
submission. By this time I presume they begin to think it 
strange that we have not made a formal surrender of our lines." 

At this time the number and kinds of flags that were in use 
on land and sea, were only limited to the ingenuity of the state 
and military officials. This was very embarrassing. On May 
20, 1776, Washington was requested to appear before Congress 
on important secret military business. Major-General Putnam, 
according to Washington's letters, was left in command at New 
York during his absence. It was in the latter part of May, 1776, 
that Washington, accompanied by Colonel George Ross, a mem- 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 9 

ber of his staff, and by the Honorable Robert Morris, the great 
financier of the revolution, called upon Mrs. Betsy Ross, a niece 
of Colonel Ross. She was a young and beautiful widow, only 
twenty-four years of age, and known to be expert at needle work. 
They called to engage her services in preparing our first starry 
flag. She lived in a little house in Arch street, Philadelphia, 




which stands to-day unchanged, with the exception of one large 
window, which has been placed in the front. It was here, in 
this house, that Washington unfolded a paper on which had been 
rudely sketched a plan of a flag of thirteen stripes, with a blue 
field dotted with thirteen stars. They talked over the plan of 
this flag in detail, and Airs. Ross noticed that the stars which 
were sketched were six-pointed, and suggested that they should 



10 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

have five points. Washington admitted that she was correct, but 
he preferred a star that would not be an exact copy of that on 
his coat of arms, and he also thought that a six-pointed star 
would be easier to cut. Mrs. Ross liked the five-pointed star, and 
to show that they were easily cut she deftly folded a piece of 
paper and with one clip of her scissors unfolded a perfect star 
with five points. (See illustration showing the way Betsy Ross 
folded the paper giving the five-pointed star which has ever since 
graced our country's banner. A, first fold of a square piece of 
paper; B, second; C, third, and D, fourth fold. The dotted line 
AA is the clip of the scissors. 

There is no record that Congress took any action on the na- 
tional colors at this session, — but this first flag was made by 
Betsy Ross at this time, and in this way, and we find in Wash- 
ington's letter of May 28, 1776, to General Putnam at New York, 
positive instructions "to the several colonels to hurry to get their 
colors done." In the orderly book, May 31, 1776, are these 
words: "General Washington has written to General Putnam 
desiring him in the most pressing terms, to give positive orders to 
all the colonels to have colors immediately completed for their 
respective regiments." The proof is positive that the committee 
approved the finished flag of Betsy Ross, and she was instructed 
to procure all the bunting possible in Philadelphia and make flags 
for the use of congress, Colonel Ross furnishing the money. 

It is easily understood how on account of the meager re- 
sources of Congress and the unsettled condition of affairs gen- 
erally, together with the fact that legislative action was extremely 
slow and tedious, that Colonel Ross should expedite matters by 
defraying the expense of this first order for our national colors. 
There is little, if any, doubt but that Washington on December 
24th, Christmas Eve, in 1776, carried the starry flag in making 
that perilous trip through ice and snow across the Delaware, 
leading his sturdy, but poorly equipped troops. How inspiring to 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. II 

look back to that night when the Massachusetts fishermen so 
skilfully managed the boats that the whole army was safely landed 
and in line of march at four o'clock on Christmas morning. The 
story of how they plodded on through ice and snow, surprising 
and defeating the Hessians and capturing a thousand men and 
their ammunition and equipments, is well known. This was the 
battle of Trenton, which changed the whole aspect of the war, 
even causing Lord Cornwallis to disembark and again start in 
pursuit of Washington, whose cause he had so lately declared 
lost. It is fitting here to speak of that friend of Washington, 
Robert Morris, one of the committee that originated our national 
colors, the great patriot who after the battle of Trenton went 
from house to house, soliciting money from his friends to clothe 
and feed this glorious army, which had fought so well. 

Congress was very slow to act, and did not seem able to 
command even the meager resources of the different colonies. 
It lacked the centralized government which gives it such strength 
to-day. Considering the grave questions affecting the life and 
liberty of the people, it is not strange that the flag or any definite 
action regarding it, was not given prompt consideration. To 
indicate how slow Congress was to act in regard to the flag, 
we have only to refer to the Congressional records, which show 
that the resolution for its adoption was dated over one year after 
it was actually created, by the committee of which Washington 
was chief; that is on June 14, 1777. However, a month previous 
to this, Congress sent Betsy Ross an order on the treasury for 
£14. 12s. 2d., for flags for the fleet in the Delaware River, and 
she soon received an order to make all the government flags. 
The first flag was made of English bunting, exactly the same as 
those of to-day, excepting that our bunting now is of home man- 
ufacture. 

There seems to be no question but that these colors, the 
stars and stripes, were unofficially adopted immediately after the 



12 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

completion of the first flag, the latter part of May, 1776, and that 
they went into general use at once, so far as it was practicable 
under the conditions then existing. Washington had the first 
flag created at this time. It was satisfactory, and he immediately 
instructed General Putnam to have the colonels prepare their 
colors — the colors that had just been approved, and which we 
know to be our flag of to-day. 

The first reference we have of an English description of our 
flag is at the surrender of General Burgoyne, October 17, 1777. 
when one of the officers said: "The stars of the new flag repre- 
sent a constellation of states." 

Mr. George Canby, an estimable gentleman of the old 
school, and a grandson of Betsy Ross, has been tireless and in- 
defatigable in his researches on the subject of our flag, and he 
claims, as did his brother, Mr. William J. Canby, before him, that 
the first flag with stars and stripes went into immediate use after 
its inception in the latter part of May, 1776. 

The Declaration of Independence was passed by Congress on 
July 4, 1776, and some authorities, of whom Admiral Preble is 
the best, seem to infer that the Cambridge flag, with its English 
crosses, which was unfurled by Washington under the Charter 
Oak, was still carried by our armies until Congress took action 
in 1777. That Washington or Congress would sanction the carry- 
ing of this flag after the Declaration of Independence seems ab- 
surd, and it is certainly against all proof, as well as against the 
records of the family whose ancestor made the first flag. 

Peak's portrait of Washington at the battle of Trenton, De- 
cember 26 and 27, 1776, shows the Union Jack with the thir- 
teen stars in the field of blue. Admiral Preble says, this is "only 
presumptive proof that the stars were at that time in use on 
our flag, but Titian R. Peale, son of the painter, says: "I visited 
the Smithsonian Institute to see the portrait of Washington 
painted by my father after the battle of Trenton. The flag rep- 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 13 

resented has a blue field with white stars arranged in a circle. I 
don't know that I ever heard my father speak of that flag, but the 
trophies at Washington's feet I know he painted from the flags 
then captured, and which were left with him for the purpose."' 
He further says: "He was always very particular in the matters 
of historic record in his pictures." 

This Preble admits in his book, but evidently thought that the 
artist, Peak, took the flag as it was then (1779), and not the 
flag of 1776, which the writer claims was identically the same 
Through persistent research many facts have come to light that 
would doubtless have changed the opinion of the late Admiral 
Preble — facts that were unknown to him. 

On Saturday, June 14, 1777, Congress finally officially 
adopted the flag of our Union and independence, to-wit : 

Resolved, "That the flag of the thirteen United States be thir- 
teen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen 
stars, white in the blue field, representing a new constellation." 

There is not the slightest record in any of the mss. journals in 
the library of Congress, or in the original files or in the drafts in 
motions made in the continental Congress of any previous legis- 
lative action for the establishment of a national flag for the United. 
States of America, whose independence was declared nearly a 
year previous. Even after the official adoption of the flag it was 
not thoroughly brought before the people for many months. All 
of this adds to the proof that Congress was simply adopting and 
legalizing a flag that was in general use. That there was no re- 
corded discussion in Congress regarding the adoption of our flag, 
was perfectly natural, because the star spangled banner came in 
with our independence, and at this time (June 14, 1777) was simply 
being officially acknowledged. 

There is some diversity of opinion as to how the red, white 
and blue arranged in the stars and stripes came to be thought of 
as our flag. 



14 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

The flag of the Netherlands, which is of red, white and blue 
stripes, had been familiar to the pilgrims while they lived in Hol- 
land, and its three stripes of red, white and blue were doubtless 
not forgotten. But it seems most probable that the coat of arms 
of the Washington family furnished more than a suggestion. The 
coat of arms of his ancestors, that had been adopted by him, 
comprised the red, white and blue* and the stars, and was familiar 
to all who were associated with Washington. He it was who 
brought the pencil drawing, when, with the others, he called upon 
Mrs. Ross to have a suitable flag made, and as we find no mention 
in history, records or diaries as to who made the drawing, it seems 
conclusive that he himself designed and drew the plan from his 
own coat of arms, which was entirely different from England's 
colors which had become necessarily distasteful. 

It seems fitting in this place to write a little history in regard 
to the Washington coat of arms, the earliest mention of which 
was by Lawrence Washington, worshipful mayor of Northamp- 
ton, England, in 1532. In 1540 he placed it upon the porch of his 
manor house, and on the tomb of Ann, his wife, in 1564. At 
the old church at Brighton, England, the tombs of Washington's 
ancestors are marked by memorial plates of brass bearing the 
arms of the family, which consisted of a shield that bore the 
stars and stripes. The Archeological Society of England, the 
highest authority on ancient churches and heraldic matters, states 
that from the red and white bars, and stars of this shield, and the 
raven issuant from its crest (borne later by General Washing- 
ton), the framers of the constitution took their idea of the flag. 

When General Washington's great-grandfather, Sir John 
Washington, came to this country in 1657, the family shield ^was 
brought with him. Sir John settled in Virginia, and established 
the American line of Washingtons. George Washington after- 
wards had it emblazoned upon the panels of his carriages, on his 
watch seals, book marks, and his dishes also bore the same 
emblem. 










COPYRIGHT 1898, BY ADDIE G. WEAVE! 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 15 



WASHINGTON COAT OF ARMS. 

The accompanying plate shows the form and colors of the Coat of 
Arms of the Washington family, back as early as 1300. 

The name first appeared as De Wessynton; then Weshyngton, and, 
finally, Washington. 

How appropriately our own beautiful shield of the United States 
comes in here, and why not? was he not the ''Father of Our Country"? 
and what more natural than that he should have left the imprint of his 
life and characteristics in symbol? 

The central figure is a fac-simile of his book plate- 



16 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

After the admission of Vermont and Kentucky into the Union, 
Congress passed an act in 1794, increasing both the stars and 
stripes from thirteen to fifteen, to take effect May, 1795. It was 
as follows: 

"An act making alterations in the flag of the United States. 
Be it enacted, etc., That from and after the first day of May, 
one thousand, seven hundred and ninety-five, the flag of the 
United States be fifteen stripes, alternate red and white, and that 
the union be fifteen stars, white in a blue field. 

"Approved January 13, 1794." 

This flag was used for several years. It flew at the mastheads 
of our gallant ships and was carried by our little army in the war 
with England in 1812. A few years later Tennessee, Ohio, Louis- 
iana and Indiana, now won to civilization by hardy pioneers, 
clamored for admittance into the Union. When they were finally 
admitted as states, another change in the flag became necessary. 
The sturdy young republic was advancing by leaps and bounds in 
civilization and wealth; its hardy sons pushing further west and 
south constantly, reclaiming from wild savages, to the uses of 
their own race, greater and larger areas, which were bound to 
be erected into states and take their places in the family of the 
original thirteen. It became manifest that legislation was neces- 
sary, permanently defining the national flag, and providing for 
such changes as the future development of the country would re- 
quire. Congress rose to the occasion. A committee, with Hon. 
Peter Wendover of New York as chairman, was appointed to 
frame a law, and with very little delay the committee reported 
a measure fulfilling every requirement then existing, and provid- 
ing for all the future. The measure was passed by congress and 
went on the statute books as the law establishing the flag as our 
great-grandfathers of that day knew it, and as we know it to-day. 
The law has never been changed, and here it is: 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 17 

"An act to establish the flag of the United States. 

"Section i. Be it enacted, etc., That from and after the fourth 
day of July next, the flag of the United States be thirteen hori- 
zontal stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union have 
twenty stars, white in the blue field. 

"Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That on the admission of 
every new state into the Union, one star be added to the union of 
the flag, and that such addition shall take effect on the fourth of 
July next succeeding such admission. Approved April 4, 181 8." 

The thirteen stripes will always represent the number of the 
"old thirteen" whose patriotism and love of justice brought about 
the independence of America. The stars that come into the blue 
sky of the flag will mark or indicate the increase of the states 
since the adoption of the Constitution. It is interesting to note 
that under the stars and stripes Washington, in 1793, laid the 
corner stone of the capitol of the United States, first having per- 
sonally selected the site of the building. It is also interesting to 
know that Washington did not live to see the capitol completed, 
but died before the seat of government was moved to Washing- 
ton in 1800. The main capitol building was not completed till 
181 1. It is also a matter of historical interest that the president's 
home, now called the White House, was completed during the 
life of Washington, and it is an authenticated fact that he and 
his wife inspected the house in all its parts only a few days be- 
fore his death. The president's house was practically destroyed 
by the British in 1814; the walls alone remained intact, but the 
stone was so discolored that when the building was reconstructed, 
it had to be painted, and from this came the name of the "White 
House." 

The large picture of Washington, by Stewart, which is now in 
the east room, at the time of the bombardment by the British, 
was taken out of its frame by Mrs. Dolly Madison, wife of the 
president, and sent to a secure place across the river. 



18 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

This flag of forty-five stars, this flag of our country, is our 
inspiration. It kindles in our hearts patriotic feelings, it carries 
our thoughts and our minds forward in the cause of liberty and 
right. On sea and on land, wherever the star spangled banner 
waves, it thrills the heart of every true American with pride. It 
recalls the memories of battles bravely fought. It recalls the vic- 
tories of Trenton and Princeton, it recalls the victories of Gettys- 
burg and Appomattox. We see the flag as first carried by Paul 
Jones across the sea; we see the flag as carried by Commodore 
Perry on Lake Erie; we see the flag as carried by Farragut at 
New Orleans; we see Admiral Dewey through smoke and fire 
hoisting the flag in the Philippines. This same flag was carried 
to victory by Admirals Sampson and Schley in Cuba. This flag 
recalls the many battles bravely fought and grandly won. It 
symbolizes the principles of human progress and human liberty. 
The stars represent the unity and harmony of our states. They 
are the constellation of our country. Their luster reflects to 
every nation of the world. The flag of 1776, the old thirteen, 
has grown to be one of the great flags of the earth. Its stars 
reach from ocean to ocean. We see it leading the armies of 
Washington and Greene, of Grant and Sherman and Sheridan, 
and of Miles, Shafter and Merritt. 

This is the flag of the "dawn's early light" that was immortal- 
ized by Francis Scott Key — "The Star Spangled Banner." 

General Grant once said, "No one is great enough to write his 
name on the flag." 

A century under the stars and stripes has been the greatest 
century of progress in the history of the world. No other nation 
that has ever existed has carried forward such a banner. Its 
colors were taken from various sources and brought into one 
harmonious combination, and it 'waves over a country which 
unites all nationalities and all races, and in the end brings about 
a homogeneous population, representing the highest type of 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 19 

civilization." It is not strange that this Hag of Washington, of 
Hamilton, of Adams, of Jefferson; this flag of Jackson, of Web- 
ster, of Clay, this flag of Lincoln, of Grant and of McKinley 
should exert such world-wide influence. It holds a unique place 
in the nations of the world. It has spread knowledge and faith 
and hope among all classes. It means liberty with justice. Its 
international influence places it in the first rank. It twines itself 
among the flags of other nations, not for destruction or war, 
but for friendship and progress in the cause of humanity. In 
the councils of peace; in the conquests of war; in everything 
that pertains to government, in everything that pertains to the 
advancement of humanity, it calls forth th'e admiration of man- 
kind. Under its influence the arts and sciences have been fos- 
tered, commerce has expanded and education has been made 
universal. It waves for the right and the harbors of the globe 
will salute this banner as a harbinger of progress and peace. 

The youngest nation has the oldest flag. 

It is of historical interest that our flag is older than the pres- 
ent flag of Great Britain, which was adopted in 1801, and it is 
nine years older than the flag of Spain, which was adopted in 
1785. The French tricolor was decreed in 1794; then comes the 
flag of Portugal in 1830; then the Italian tricolor in 1848; then 
the flags of the old empires of China and Japan, and of the 
empire of Germany, which represents the sovereignty of fourteen 
distinct states established in 1870. 



20 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

Prior to the Revolution, and indeed during the evolution of 
a nation through the crucible of war, separate and distinct flags 
were popular with the colonists. Nearly every colony had at 
least one. They were not abandoned until it became apparent the 
colonies were never again to be colonies, but to form a nation 
with one flag, one set of institutions and laws, a fact which in- 
spired the visit of Washington to Betsy Ross as told in the 
foreging papers. Many of the colonial flags were interesting. 

GROUP OF COLONIAL FLAGS, NO. i. 

The two upper flags of this group represent those used at 
Bunker Hill July 18, 1775, and bore these inscriptions: On one 
side, "An Appeal to Heaven," and on the other, "Qui Transtulit 
Sustinet" — He who transported will sustain. 

These were beautiful flags, and research shows that both 
colors were used. 

Trumbull gives the red in his celebrated painting in the capitol 
at Washington, and other authentic accounts show that the blue 
flag was carried also — the color being the only difference in the 
two. 

THE PINE TREE FLAG. 

The pine tree flag which was a favorite with the officers of the 
American privateers, had a white field with a green pine tree in 
the middle and bore the motto, "An appeal to heaven." 

This flag was officially endorsed by the Massachusetts coun- 
cil, which in April, 1776, passed a series of resolutions providing 
for the regulation of the sea service, among which was the fol- 
lowing : 

Resolved, That the uniform of the officers be green and 
white, and that they furnish themselves accordingly, and that the 
colors be a white flag with a green pine tree and the inscription, 
"An appeal to heaven." — Harper's Round Table. 




COPYRIGHT 1898. BY AODIE G. WEAVEI 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 21 

The striped Continental flag opposite the pine tree flag was of 
red and white stripes without a field. 

THE RATTLESNAKE FLAG. 

The device of a rattlesnake was popular among the colonists, 
and its origin as an American emblem is a curious feature in 
our national history. 

It has been stated, that its use grew out of a humorous sug- 
gestion made by a writer in Franklin's paper — the Pennsylvania 
Gazette — that, in return for the wrongs which England was forc- 
ing upon the colonists, a cargo of rattlesnakes should be sent to 
the mother country and "distributed in St. James' Park, Spring 
Garden and other places of pleasure." 

Colonel Gadsden, one of the marine committee, presented to 
Congress, on the 8th of February, 1776, "an elegant standard, 
such as is to be used by the commander-in-chief of the American 
navy; being a yellow flag with a representation of a rattlesnake 
coiled for attack. 

WASHINGTON LIFE GUARD FLAG. 

There is probably no more interesting revolutionary flag than 
this. The Washington Life Guard was organized in 1776, soon 
after the siege of Boston, while the American army was encamped 
near New York. 

It was said to have been in the museum at Alexandria, Va., 
which was burned soon after the war of the rebellion, and nearly 
everything lost. It was of white silk with the design painted 
on it. 

The uniform of the guard was as follows: blue coat with 
white facings, white waistcoat and breeches, with blue half gait- 
ers, a cocked hat and white plume. 



22 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

THE GRAND UNION FLAG. 

These were the colors selected by Franklin, Harrison and 
Lynch, and unfurled by Washington under the Charter Oak, 
January 2, 1776, and hereafter described. 

The flag of the Richmond Rifles follows with the one used at 
Moultrie. 

The latter was of blue with white crescent in the dexter corner 
and was used by Colonel Moultrie, September 13, 1775, when he 
received orders from the Council of Safety for taking Fort John- 
son on James Island, South Carolina. 

In the early years of the Revolution, a number of emblems 
were in use which became famous. The standard on the southeast 
bastion of Fort Sullivan (or Moultrie, as it was afterward named), 
on June 28, 1776, by Colonel Moultrie, was a blue flag with a 
white crescent in the upper left hand corner, and the word "Lib- 
erty" in white letters emblazoned upon it. 

This was the flag that fell outside the fort and was secured by 
Sergeant Jasper, who leaped the parapet, walked the whole length 
of the fort, seized the flag, fastened it to a sponge staff and in 
sight of the whole British fleet and in the midst of a perfect hail 
of bullets planted it firmly upon the bastion. The next day 
Governor Rutledge visited the fort and rewarded him by giving 
him his sword. 

Then comes the flag of White Plains, October 28, 1776, with 
little historical importance. 

The flag made by Betsy Ross, under the direction of General 
Washington, Robert Morris, and Colonel George Ross, consisted 
of thirteen bars, alternate red and white, with a circle of thirteen 
stars in the field of blue. 







COPYRIGHT 1898. BY ADDIE G. WEAVEF 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 23 



COUNT PULASKI'S FLAG. 

The Moravian sisters of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, gave to 
Count Pulaski's corps, which he had previously organized at 
Baltimore and which was called "Pulaski's Legion," a beautiful 
crimson silk banner, embroidered in yellow silk and sent it with 
their blessing. Pulaski was at this time suffering from a wound, 
and was on a visit to Lafayette, whose headquarters were at 
Bethlehem. Count Pulaski was a Polish patriot, born March 4, 
1747. After having bravely fought for Poland with his father 
and brothers until the Polish cause became hopeless, he came to 
America, arriving in Philadelphia in 1777. He entered the army 
as a volunteer, but performing such brave service at Brandywine, 
he was promoted to the command of cavalry with rank of briga- 
dier-general. In 1778 Congress gave him leave to raise a body of 
men under his own command. Longfellow has most beautifully 
described the presentation of the flag in verse. Pulaski bore 
this flag to victory through many battles until he fell mortally 
wounded at Savannah, October 14, 1779. The banner was saved 
by his first lieutenant, who received fourteen wounds, and deliv- 
ered it to Captain Bentalon, who on retiring from the army, took 
it home to Baltimore. It was carried in the procession which 
welcomed Lafayette in 1824, and was then deposited in the Peale 
Museum. In 1844 Mr. Edmund Peale presented it to the His- 
torical Society of Maryland, where it is now preserved in a glass 
case. These are interesting historical facts. 

Flag of red and blue bars with serpent stretched across and 
words, "Don't Tread on Me." 

Another flag of white, with blue bands top and bottom and a 
pine tree in center, with the inscriptions: Liberty Tree and An 
Appeal to Heaven. 



24 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 



THE "DON'T TREAD ON ME" FLAG. 

Another use of the rattlesnake was upon a ground of thir- 
teen horizontal bars alternate red and white, the snake ex- 
tending diagonally across the stripes, and the lower white stripes 
bearing the motto — "Don't Tread on Me." The snake was 
always represented as having thirteen rattles, and the number 
thirteen seems constantly to have been kept in mind. Th/us, 
thirteen vessels are ordered to be built; thirteen stripes are 
placed on the flag; in one design thirteen arrows are grasped 
in a mailed hand; and in a later one thirteen arrows are in the 
talons of an eagle. 

ANOTHER "DONT TREAD ON ME" FLAG. 

One of the favorite flags also was of white with a pine tree 
in the center. The words at the top were "An Appeal to God,'* 
and underneath the snake were the words, "Don't Tread on Me." 
Several of the companies of minute men adopted a similar flag, 
giving the name of their company with the motto "Liberty or 
Death." This flag is familiar to the public as the annual cele- 
brations bring out descriptions of it in the press. 

THE PRESIDENT'S FLAG. 

Within the last few years special flags have been designed for 
the President, the Secretary of the Navy and Secretary of War. 
The President's flag is a very beautiful blue banner, in the cen- 
ter of which is a spread eagle bearing the United States shield 
on its breast, with the thirteen stars in a half circle overhead. 
It is flown at the main mast-head of naval vessels while the 
President remains on board, and on being hoisted it is the signal 
for the firing of the President's salute. 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 25 

COLONIAL AND PATRIOTIC MUSIC. 

The colonial music was mostly borrowed and adapted to the 
occasion. The Pilgrims had more important duties to perform 
and in those years of stirring events no one was in a mood to 
write music. 

The first song to be used was that old and familiar one, 
"Yankee Doodle." It made a powerful rallying cry in call- 
ing to arms against England. It is so old that it is impossible 
to decide just where the term came from. 

It has been traced back to Greece — "Iankhe Doule," mean- 
ing "Rejoice, O Slave," and to the Chinese — "Yong Kee," 
meaning "Flag of the Ocean." It is said the Persians called 
Americans "Yanki Doon'iah," "Inhabitants of the New World." 
The Indians too, come in for their share of the credit of origi- 
nating the term, as the Cherokee word "Eankke," which means 
"coward" and "slave," was often bestowed upon the inhabi- 
tants of New England. 

At the time of the uprising against Charles the First, Oliver 
Cromwell rode into Oxford, on an insignificant little horse, 
wearing a single plume in a knot called a "macaroni." The 
song was sung derisively by the cavaliers at that time. The 
tune is said to have come from Spain or France, there being 
several versions of the words. 

It came into play when our ancestors flocked into Ticon- 
deroga in answer to the call of Abercrombie. At that early 
day no one refused, but all answered the call and came equipped 
as best they could, but hardly any two alike, and to the trained 
English regulars must have presented a ridiculous appearance. 
Dr. Shamburg changed the words of the old satire to fit the 
new occasion. But in less than a year it was turned by the 
Yankees against the English in the form of a rallying cry and 
possessed new meaning. 



26 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

History had emphasized it, and with the accompaniment of 
the shrill pipe and half worn drum calling the simple cottagers 
together, it must have aroused all their noble and sturdy pat- 
riotism. 

Who that has viewed that stirring picture in the Corcoran 

Art Gallery at Washington, "Yankee Doodle," could fail to 

catch the inspiration of the scene. The old man with his thin 

grey locks, but head erect and face glowing with enthusiasm 

as he keeps time to the old tune, followed by the small boy 

with his drum. One scarcely knows whether humor or pathos 

predominates; but certain we are that all alike stepped to its 

chords; it found an answering echo in each heart and led them 

on to glory. 

YANKEE DOODLE. 

Father and I went down to camp, 

Along with Captain Goodwin, 
And there we saw the men and boys 

As thick as hasty pudding. 

CHORUS. 

Yankee Doodle, keep it up, 

Yankee doodle dandy; 
Mind the music and the step. 

And with the girls be handy. 

And there was Captain Washington, 

Upon a slapping stallion. 
A giving orders to his men, 

I guess there was a million. — Cho. 

And then the feathers on his hat, 

They looked so tarnal finey, 
I wanted peskily to get 

To give to my Jemima. — Cho. 

And there they had a swamping gun, 

As big as a log of maple, 
On a duced little cart, 

A load for father's cattle. — Cho. 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 2J 

And every time they fired it off 

It took a horn of powder; 
It made a noise like father's gun, 

Only a ration louder. — Cho. 

I went as near to it myself 

As Jacob's underpinin', 
And father went as near again, 

I th't the duce was in him. — Cho. 

It scared me so, I ran the streets, 

Nor stopped as I remember, 
Till I got home and safely locked 

In granny's little chamber. — Cho. 

And there I see a little keg, 

Its heads were made of leather; 
They knocked upon it with little sticks 

To call the folks together. — Cho. 

And then they'd fife away like fun 

And play on corn-stalk fiddles; 
And some had ribbons red as blood 

All bound around their middles. — Cho. 

The troopers, too, would gallop up, 

And fire right in our faces; 
It scared me almost to death 

To see them run such races. — Cho. 

Uncle Sam came there to change 

Some pancakes and some onions, 
For 'lasses cake to carry home 

To give his wife and young ones. — Cho. 

But I can't tell you half I see, 

They keep up such a smother: 
So I took off my hat, made a bow, 

And scampered off to mother." — Cho, 



28 



THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 



AMERICA. 

Rev. Samuel Francis Smith was born in Boston October 21, 
1808, and graduated in the class of '29 from Harvard University. 
He enjoyed the honor of having for his classmate Oliver Wen- 
dell Holmes, in whose beautiful poem, entitled "The Boys," 
the name of the author of "America" is affectionately men- 
tioned. 

And there's a nice youngster of excellent pith; 
Fate tried to conceal him by naming him Smith, 
But he shouted a song for the brave and the free, 
Just read on his medal — "My Country of Thee"! 

"America" was written in 1832, the tune being the old one 
of "God Save the Queen," and first rendered on the 4th of 
July of the same year by the children of Park St. Church, Boston. 






AMERICA. 



My country, 'tis of thee, 
Sweet land of liberty, 

Of thee I sing! 
Land where my fathers died, 
Land of the pilgrims' pride, 
From every mountain side 

Let freedom ring. 

My native country, thee — 
Land of the noble free, 

Thy name I love. 
I love thy rocks and rills, 
Thy woods and templed hills. 
My heart with rapture thrills 

Like that above. 



Let music swell the breeze 
And ring from all the trees 

Sweet Freedom's song! 
Let mortal tongues awake, 
Let all that breathe partake, 
Let rocks their silence break, 

The sound prolong. 

Our fathers' God, to thee, 
Author of Liberty! 

To Thee we sing: 
Long may our land be bright 
With freedom's hdly light, 
Protect us by Thy might, 

Great God, our king! 



Peace follows tr>r/ere it ftnbs ifye 01b Cfytrteen, tfye nucleus 

arounb tofyicfy tfye otfyer stars fyaue gatfyereb in tfyetr glory* 

— Letitia Green Stevenson, 
Honorary Vice President General National Society, Daughters of the 
American Revolution. 




^TRIOTIC 
JSSNG 



DEDICATED 

TO THE 



jON^DAUGHTf RS ak» CHI LDRtN 
^AMERICAN ^EVOLUTION 



Ores. 







1. Flag of the free, we hail thee with pride. Float thou in free - dom o'er 

2. Well work for thy glo - ry for - ev - er and aye, We'll eel - e - brate ev - er that 



3S 



-$-4 






** 



fc= 



^£ 



— ft. — 






V — i JyJ: 



3EEJEE3E 






BE 



-* — ^ 



^=fe^ 



all the land wide; Em - blem of pow'r wher 

dear - ly bought day; Thy folds float- ing o'er us in 



e'er thou art seen, Yet 
tri - umph were seen, So 



^53B3^5fc=t 



J_ 



Wi 



££=! 



*? 



^T JEto/i, -^ -^ >_ 



Dolce. 



Hi 



see 



:!&£ 



*=**=* 



still we are true to The Old Thir - teen. Our fa - thers who fought a free 
val - iant - ly won by The Old Thir - teen. We'll rai - ly a - round thee from 



gg^4 : 



: ^= 



imm^m^m^M^Ui 






*=* 



coun - try to make. 
near and from far, 
.0 d_« _^ 



P 



I 



~* P 



Pt 



Who suf - fered aud died 
Our stand - ard for - ev 




=t ====(e==t = P-ti=^N==t=i: 

• ^ 3»— I— » 3 » • 9 



for sweet lib - er - ty's sake. What 
er in peace or in war, All 

-ft ? « ft 9— ™ 



in 



i 

joy had been theirs had they on 
na - tions sa - lute thee, thy stars' 



-9 — #— ■ 

ly fore-seen 
light- y sheen. 



How vast 
Pull splen 



#fc=* 



we should grow from The 
dor thou art of The 




Ores. 






'0 
For 
Hon 



:»?0 -•# — 9 — *^^ 






ty five states 
or the vie - 



to thee will be true- 

try .thy fair folds have won 



As he 
Tho' mul 



&m 



eEj 



^m 



i 

roes of old keep their 
ti - plied stars float in 

-ft ft- 



M 



U 



> 

Dim. 

■-N— 



v — b 



-^-bi-tv 



m m — ■ — I 

»— — »--"-»" 

_U, h,--l 

1 



o - ry green, Who marched with the 



of 



free - dom 



En - shrined 



fef 



our hearts is 

■J? 



The Old 
The Old 



Thir - teen. 
Thir - teen. 



I ^=^=l=r=f -- - -- b=zJi 



3 2 



THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 



STARS ON THE FLAG. 

The Home Magazine contains the following beautiful sug- 
gestion regarding the placing of the stars on the flag: 

Number i is the field of our first stars and stripes made by 
Betsy Ross. 

Number 2 represents that field of flag of 1814 which inspired 
the "Star Spangled Banner." 

Number 3 the field of 1818 designed by Capt. S. C. Reid. 

Number 4, field of our present flag. 

Although there is no law saying who shall arrange the stars 
on our flag, or how they shall be arranged, it is customary for 
the changes to be made in the war department when new states 
have been admitted to the Union. 







The incongruous variations in figures A, B, C, which are 
reproductions of unions taken from new flags, made by dif- 
ferent manufacturers, would not exist if there was a law fix- 
ing the arrangement of the stars. 






COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 33 

It is believed by many that the stars on our flag should be 
arranged into a permanent and symmetrical form, fixed by law, 
instead of the present changeable and uncertain form, which is 
subject in a great measure, to the caprice or convenience of the 
flag maker. It is not generally known that among the many 
flags in use in our country to-day, there is an utter lack of uni- 
formity in the arrangement of the stars. 

In the selection of a form, three different things should be 
considered — its historical significance, symmetry, and adaptabil- 
ity. The stars should be so arranged that it will not be neces- 
sary to make any noticeable change when new ones are added. 
The stars should always remain equal in size, representing the 
equality of the states. 



******* 



* J&3L 



**** 



In the form which is submitted, No. 8, with the group of thir- 
teen stars in the center, representing the thirteen original states, 
they are arranged in exactly the same form as they ap- 
pear on the great seal of the United States. The circle contain- 
ing twenty-three stars, represents the states which were admitted 
to the Union up to the close of the civil war. These two fea- 
tures are symbolic of the two great events in the nation's his- 
tory — the one which brought our flag into existence, and the 
other which made its life permanent by welding the sisterhood 
of states into a perfect and indestructible union. The circle is 
also symbolic of unity, peace, and preservation. 
3 



34 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

The outside circle of nine stars, represents the sta.tes which 
have been added to the Union since the civil war. New stars 
can be added to this circle without changing the symmetry of 
the arrangement, as will be seen by reference to the illustra- 
tion. As this circle will always remain an open one, there will 
always be room for one more star, and it is thus significant 
of progression. 

One great advantage in this form is, that it is suggestive 
of a constellation, and thus carries out, as far as practicable, 
the idea of the framers of the resolution of 1777 in establishing 
the flag. 

John F. Earhart is the author of the above description of the 
different forms of flags. 

THE LIBERTY CAP. 

The historians who have searched the archives of ancient 
and medieval times tell us that this has been a symbol of liberty 
since the Phrygians made the conquest of the eastern part of 
Asia Minor. 

After the conquest they stamped it on their coins, and to 
distinguish themselves from the primitive peoples they used the 
liberty cap as a head dress. The Romans used a small red cap 
called a "pileus," which they placed on the head of a slave in 
making him free, and when Caesar was murdered a Phrygian 
cap was carried through the streets of Rome proclaiming the 
liberty of the people. The liberty cap of the English is blue 
with a white border, 

It remained for the United States to adopt the British cap, 
adding to it the crescent of thirteen stars. Generals Lee and 
Schuyler, with the Philadelphia Light Horse troop, adopted it 
in 1775. This is the famous troop that escorted Washington 
to New York. 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 35 

It is most familiar to us as seen on our coins, on which it 
was first used after the. Revolution as a symbol of freedom. 

Edward Everett Hale, in one of his impressive orations, 
says: "The starry banner speaks for itself; its mute eloquence 
needs no aid to interpret its significance. Fidelity to the Union 
blazes from its stars ; allegiance to the government beneath which 
we live is wrapped in its folds." 

The Stars and Stripes was officially first unfolded over Ft. 
Schuyler, a military port in New York state, now the city of 
Rome, Oneida county. It was first saluted on the sea by a 
foreign power, when floating from the masthead of the Ranger, 
Capt. Paul Jones commanding, at Ouiberon Bay, France, Feb- 
ruary 14, 1778. The salute was given by Admiral La Motte, 
representing the French government. 

The first vessel over which the Union flag floated was the 
ship Ranger, built at Portsmouth, Xew Hampshire, whose gal- 
lant commander was the famous Paul Jones. 

Its first trip around the world was on the ship Columbia, 
which left Boston September 30, 1787, commanded by Cap- 
tains Kendrick and Gray. It was three years then in circling 
the globe. To-day it waves in every clime, on every sea. 

It is pleasing to note how Franklin, when minister to 
France, secured the ship Doria from the French and gave to 
Paul Jones the command, who immediately renamed the old 
ship "Bon homme Richard," in honor of Franklin. 

ORIGIN OF "OLD GLORY." 
The term Old Glory is said to have been originated by an 
old sailor — Stephen Driver. 

A\ bile upon the seas he performed an act of bravery for 
which he was rewarded by the gift of an American flag, where- 
upon he pledged its givers to always defend it faithfully. 

At the outbreak of the civil war he was living in Nashville, 
Tenn. 



36 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

In order to keep the flag safely he concealed it in a bed- 
quilt under which he slept. To the enemies of the Union he 
declared that Old Glory would yet float from the staff of the 
Tennessee state house, and sure enough when Nashville fell into 
the hands of Gen. Buell he secured the flag from its hiding place 
and hoisted it to a more fitting position on the state house — 
thus his nick-name for it became popular. 

JOHN JAY AT MOUNT KISCO, JULY 4, 1861. 

He said, "Swear anew and teach the oath to our children, 
that with God's help the American Republic shall stand un- 
moved though all the powers of piracy and European jealousy 
should combine to overthrow it. That we shall have in the fu- 
ture as we have had in the past, one country, one constitution, 
one destiny; and that when we shall have passed from earth, 
and the acts of to-day shall be matters of history, and the dark 
power which sought our overthrow shall have been overthrown, 
our sons may gather strength from our example in every con- 
test with despotism that time may have in store to try their 
virtue, and that they may rally under the Stars and Stripes with 
our old time war cry, 
'' 'Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable/ " 

UNCLE SAM. 

This term originated at the time of our war with England in 
1B12. Provisions were purchased at Troy, N. Y., and the agent 
was Elbert Anderson, the work being superintended by Ebe- 
nezer and Samuel Wilson, the packages being marked E. A. 
L T . S. Samuel Wilson was known all over as Uncle Sam and 
he was often joked about his amount of provisions, then the 
newspapers took it up and the term L T ncle Sam came into 
general use and is typical of our increasing national pros- 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 37 

perity. Quite recently a portrait of an actual personage whose 
features are identical with those made familiar by caricatures 
of Uncle Sam, was found in possession of a family near To- 
ledo, Ohio. The portrait was painted about 1818, but nothing is 
Known of the shrewd, kindly old man represented. His face 
was undoubtedly the origin of the accepted caricature, 

BROTHER JONATHAN. 

Jonathan Trumbull, governor of Connecticut, was a warm 
friend of General Washington, who had great confidence in 
his judgment. 

When in need of ammunition and the question arose as to 
where they could get the necessary means for defense Wash- 
ington said: "We will consult Brother Jonathan." 

After that whenever they needed help the expression became 
a common one and naturally came to mean the United States 
Government. 

THE AMERICAN EAGLE. 

Our bald headed eagle, so called because the feathers on 
the top of the head are white, was named the Washington eagle 
by Audubon. Like Washington it was brave and fearless, and 
as his name and greatness is known the world over, so the 
greatest of birds can soar to the heights beyond all others. 

In 1785 it became the emblem of the United States. 

It is used on the tips of flag staffs, on coins, on the United 
States seals, and on the shield of liberty. 



38 



THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 



BANNERS AND STANDARDS. 

It is not generally known that the tassels which are pend- 
ent customarily from the upper part of banners and standards, 
and the fringe which surrounds them are relics of the practice 
of observing sacred emblems. They originated in pagan devices 
and the garments of priests and were consecrated to specific 
forms of worship. 

Sacred history is full of instances of the consecration of tas- 
sels and peculiar fringes to special sacerdotal uses. Blue was 
early the emblem of purity and innocence and that fact ac- 
counts for the predominance of that color in the ecclesiastical 
badges of these early times. When the use of the tassels passed 
into profane customs, they were used as ornaments for national 
standards and for royal girdles, and it was not infrequent that 
they were first blessed by the priests. It has followed naturally 
that this use has continued up to the present time, although 
now it is retained probably because of the artistic effect of the 
swinging pendants. 

THE LINCOLN FLAG. 
Presented by the French People. 

The flag in the White House which formerly hung in the 
center of the largest window in the east room, has a unique 
history. 

It is woven of silk in one piece without a seam. There are 

gold stars in the field and among them are seen the words in 

French, "Popular subscription to the Republic of the United 

States, offered in memory of Abraham Lincoln. Lyons, 1865." 

STATE FLAGS. 

As the colonies had their flags of different kinds so the states 
one by one adopted special flags and nearly all the states of 
the Union now have a state flag or regimental color. In some 
states this emblem is established by law, in other states by the 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL 39 

military department or the governor. There are a few states 
in which this special flag is covered with particular devices 
chosen by the caprice of the donor or the officials by whom the 
flag was authorized, but in all these cases, the state arms form 
a part of the emblazonment. There is a general feeling, how- 
ever, that these special states flags should have no legal recog- 
nition, and that the only flag to be thus recognized should be 
the Stars and Stripes. 

ORIGIN OF THE FLAG OF TRUCE. 

It is interesting to know how and why the little white flag 
which is always looked upon with breathless interest in the 
emergencies that call it forth, first came to be used. 

When carried by the lone soldier on horse or on foot be- 
tween the armies it has a significance that is always respected, 
and on the sea the hoisting of this flag at the ship's mast or 
the carrying of the flag of white by boat to the enemy stops 
the firing of the guns. The custom originated in the church in 
the tenth or eleventh century. 

Curiously enough while it is the only flag that is to-day used 
by all nations of the earth alike, no regularly made flag of 
truce is found in the flag lockers of nations. It is improvised 
when the emergency arises for its use. In the late war with 
Spain, such flags of truce as were used were made of blank- 
ets, sheets, table cloths. It is a flag that commands the ene- 
my's respect. An account of the origin of the flag of truce 
lately published, is as follows: 

''La peace et la treve de Dieu" (The peace and the truce of 
God) was an agreement between the turbulent barons and the 
church, as severe injury and loss was most frequently the re- 
sult of the private warfares which constantly raged. 

To protect itself, but more especially to preserve justice and 
moral order, the church established a system which has exer- 
cised a beneficent influence down to this day. 



40 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

The agreement stipulated a cessation of hostilities on certain 
festivities and saint's days, and from Saturday to Monday. The 
barons and warrior class pledged during the time of war to 
extend full protection to women, pilgrims, priests, monks, travel- 
ers, merchants and agriculturists; to abstain from the destruc- 
tion or injury of farm implements, the burning of crops, and 
the killing of live stock of the peasants. Penalties in violation 
of this agreement comprised money fines, baffiings, banishment, 
and excommunication. 

Originating in the south of France this system was soon 
adopted through the whole of France, Italy, Spain, Germany, 
and England, and in 1095 Pope Urban II. proclaimed its uni- 
versal extension throughout Christendom. 

In time the Crown assumed this protective power, and the 
phrase was changed to "La paix et la treve du Roi," or "The 
peace and truce of the king." The republics recognized the time- 
honored institution, and the simple unfolding of a white cloth 
will instantly cause a cessation of hostilities. The adoption of 
a white emblem appears to be lost in tradition, as authorities 
do not reveal it. Doubtless it is similar, or may have arisen 
through a belief in the white Samite which shielded the Holy 
Grail from the gaze of unbelievers. Emblematic of purity, as- 
sociated with the mythical knights of the Round Table, and 
used in the Crusades, ft is probable that this sacred truce flag 
may have originated from the Samite of the Holy Grail. 

At the present time, if presented during an engagement fir- 
ing is not required to cease ; nor, if the bearer be killed or 
wounded, is there ground for complaint. The truce emblem can 
be retained if admitted, during an engagement. Penalties are 
incurred if the truce emblem be wrongfully used, the severest 
being the ignominious death of a spy. 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 



41 



The following was written at the tomb of Washington in 
1833 by Dr. Andrew Reed, English philanthropist: 

WASHINGTON. 

The Brave, The Wise. The Good. 

Supreme in W r ar, in Council and in Peace. 

WASHINGTON. 



Valiant 


Discreet 


Confident 


without 


without 


without 


Ambition. 


Fear. 


Presumption 



In Disaster Calm. 



The Hero. 



WASHINGTON. 
In Success Moderate. 
WASHINGTON. 
The Patriot. 



In All Himself. 



The Christian. 



The Father of Nations, the friend of Mankind 

who 

When he had won all renounced all 

and sought 

In the Bosom of his family and of Nature 

Retirement 

And in the hope of Religion 

Immortality. 



^" " . 


\ 






ff^T 





JANE CLAYPOOLE CANBY, 
Fourth Daughter of Betsy Ross. 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL 43 



SKETCH OF BETSY ROSS AXD HER HUSBANDS. 

Elizabeth Griscom, a daughter of Samuel and Rebecka 
(James) Griscom of Philadelphia, was born January I, 1752. 
They were "Friends" and the young Elizabeth grew into a 
most charming, bright and beautiful girl of prepossessing man- 
ners and plain and quiet tastes. 

Her father was a noted builder and assisted in the erection 
of the state house, now Independence Hall. His house, shop 
and a very large garden were on Arch street, between 3d and 
4th streets. 

Elizabeth, or Betsy, as she was fondly called, was the sev- 
enth daughter. Her birthday was the first day under the new 
Gregorian calendar. 

It was frequently said by the family that "she was born the 
first day of the month, the first day of the year, the first 
day of the new style." She was well trained by her mother, be- 
came very expert with her needle and was very fond of em- 
broidery. 

Among her many admirers was John Ross, son of /Eneas 
Ross, assistant rector of Christ Episcopal Church. The young 
man was a nephew of the Hon. George Ross, delegate to Con- 
gress, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

In December, 1773, at ~ tne a ge of twenty-one years, Eliza- 
beth married John Ross, an estimable young man. He was an 
Episcopalian, and in consequence of her marrying out of meet- 
ing, she was disowned by the Friends. 

The first husband of Betsy Ross was of distinguished ances- 
try. The Hon. George Ross, of New Castle, Delaware, had by his 
first wife, two sons: John, who died May 5th, 1776; and Rev. 
/Eneas, born Sept. 9th. 1716, who was father of John Ross (hus- 
band of Betsy Ross). 



44 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

By his second wife he had Hon. George Ross, signer of Dec- 
laration of Independence, born 1730, died 1780; also one daugh- 
ter, Gertrude, who married George Read, also a signer of the 
Declaration of Independence; also a son, Jacob, a physician. 

The Hon. George Ross was a noted lawyer, and a resident 
of Lancaster. He was a brave soldier and a man of ability. 

John Ross was an apprentice with a man named Webster, 
an upholsterer on Chestnut street. It was with him that John and 
afterwards Betsy, learned the trade before they "ran off" to 
be married. 

They then set up business for themselves, first on Chestnut 
street and afterwards moved to the little house on Arch street, 
which was a simple building when first occupied by them. It 
was built some time after 1752, notwithstanding romantic stories 
to the contrary. The first room was utilized as a shop; the store 
front not having been added until about 1858. 

It was in this house that the flag was made later on. 

In 1775 John Ross was injured while guarding military stores 
on the wharf, from the effects of which he died at this house 
in January, 1776. He was buried in Christ Churchyard, 5th 
and Arch streets. He left no children. 

Airs. Ross continued the upholstery business and the manu- 
facture of flags. 

Betsy Ross married for her second husband, at Old Swedes 
Church, Philadelphia, Captain Joseph Ashburn, June 15, 1777, 
and to them were born two daughters: 

Jillah, born September 15th, 1779. Died young. 

Eliza, born February 25th, 1781. Who married Capt. Isaack 
Silliman, May 29th, 1799. After Capt. Silliman's death in the 
army, his wife Eliza lived with her mother, Betsy Ross, until 
her death in 1836. 

To them were born four children: 

Joseph Ashburn; Emilia; Jane; Willys. 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 45 

Emilia left one daughter, Mrs. Alary Sidney Garrett, a widow 
and childless. She is the only living descendant of the second 
marriage. 

Joseph Ashburn was taken prisoner by the British on the 
sea, and with the other soldiers was taken to England where 
he died in Mill Prison, March 3d, 1782. The prisoners were all 
given an opportunity to enter the British service, and on their 
refusal were thrown into prison. John Claypole, a comrade, 
and also a prisoner of war, nursed and cared for Ashburn un- 
til he died. He brought home to his widow, on his release, the 
diary of Ashburn, together with messages to his wife, with 
whom he fell in love and afterward married. 

John Claypoole, son of William and Elizabeth Claypoole, of 
Philadelphia, was married to Elizabeth Ashburn (Betsy Ross) 
the 8th of May, 1783, at Christ Church. His ancestor was James 
Claypoole, who came to America as the friend of William Penn ; 
and from whom all the Claypooles mentioned are descended. 
He was a brother of Sir John Claypoole, who married Eliza- 
beth, daughter of Oliver Cromwell. 

The children of John and Elizabeth Claypoole were: Clar- 
issa Sidney, born April 3, 1785, 9 a. m. ; Susanna, born Novem- 
ber 15, 1786, 4 p. m. ; Rachel, born February 1, 1789, 7 p. m. ; 
Jane, born November 13, 1793, 7 p. m. ; Harriet, born December 
20, 1795, 5 a. m., died October 8, 1796. 

There is an old Bible over a hundred years old, which has 
a record of all these births and those of the Ashburn daughters; 
and of the deaths in the handwriting of John Claypoole. It 
was ''The legacy of Sarah Hallowell to her niece. Elizabeth Clay- 
poole," that is, Betsy Ross. 

John Claypoole was wounded in the battle of Germantown 
which, with imprisonment and the hardships of war, so impaired 
his health that he never regained it. So it may be truthfully 
said that the lives of her three husbands were sacrificed to their 



46 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

country, and her experience in these very important events in 
her life is certainly heroic. John Claypoole died August 3, 
1817. 

Betsy Ross attended Christ Church, Philadelphia, with her 
first husband and after his death continued in attendance until 
the Free Quaker Society was organized in 1793. The pew in 
which she sat was quite near one occupied by Gen. Washing- 
ton, and is marked by a brass plate bearing these words: 

"In this pew worshipped Betsey Ross, who made the first 
flag." 

All Friends who took part in the Revolution were disowned 
by "The Society of Friends." After the war, they organized a 
society of "Free Quakers" often called "Fighting Quakers." 

As the time went by, nearly all were taken back into the 
original "Society of Friends," but Clarissa Wilson and John 
Price Wetherell, of Philadelphia, were the last of the Free Quak- 
ers. They used to attend the little meeting house at 5th and 
Arch streets until there were just the two of them. In the fall 
of 1830 they decided it was unwise to have the little meeting 
house heated for them, so after that Clarissa Wilson attended 
the Orange street meeting house, but was never again received 
into the original society. She did not wish to be. She died a 
Free Quaker. Betsy Ross, her mother, lived to be 84 years 
old and died in 1836. The following are from the original auto- 
graphs of Betsy Ross and her husband : 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 



47 



CHILDREN OF JOHN AND BETSY ROSS CLAYPOOLE. 



Clarissa 

Sidney 

(Wilson) 



Elizabeth Griscom f 



Sophia 

Aquila Bolton 
Clarissa Sidney 
Susan 
Rachel 



twins 



married James Campion 

" Charles Hildebrandt 

married Sarah Ghriskey 

" James Hanna 

" Abram Sellers 

" Jacob Wilson Albright 



Susanna 
( Satterth- 
waite ) 



James 

Edwin 

Abel 

Sidney 

Mary 

Susan 



bachelor 
married 



not married 
married David Newpo 



Martha Hallowell 
Mary Burton 
Cyrus Kinsey 



*}■ 



This couple 
till living- in 
1898 at Wil- 
low Grove, 
Philadelphia 



Rachel 

(1st, Edward 

Jones; 2nd, John 

Fletcher) 



Margaretta 

Mary 

Daniel 



married 



Elliot 



" Arthur Wigert 

not married; died at 21 yrs. of age 



Jane 
(Canby) 



Catharine 

Elizabeth 

Charles 

John 

William 

Caleb 

George 

Jane 

Mary 



married 

unmarried 

married 



Lloyd Balderston 

Susanna Kirk 
Elizabeth Boustead 
Louise Prescott 
Mary Preswick 
Matilda Goodwin 
Abel Hopkins USfnopkL 
Robert Culin 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 49 



THE OLD KEY MANSION. 
The old Key mansion is one of the historic places that still 
remains on the banks of the Potomac in Georgetown, to remind 
us that here lived Francis Scott Key, the author of the national 
hymn "The Star Spangled Banner." In unveiling to him the 
monument which had been erected at Fredericksburg, Maryland, 
during the past summer (1898), the Hon. Murat Halsted paid 
an eloquent tribute to this poet, who crystallized the best thought 
of the American people in giving to them "The Star Spangled 
Banner." "O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave," 
this flag still waves. Freedom to-day has a broader meaning 
than in the days of i8ijl Slavery has been abolished and free- 
dom has spread her wings o'er all the land. The history of the 
writing of this beautiful song can be told in a few words. It 
was an inspiration. The British had captured a friend of Francis 
Scott Key. Dr. Beans, and when Key heard of it, he called 
upon President Madison, who furnished him with a vessel to 
go to the British Admiral Cockburn's ship, to endeavor to se- 
cure his release. General Ross, of the British army, agreed to 
release him, but insisted upon Key's remaining on the admiral's 
ship until after the bombardment of Fort McHenry, which was 
then taking place. Key was intensely anxious and in the early 
morning, he looked across to the fort and saw that "the flag- 
was still there." It is said that he then wrote a sketch of the 
"Star Spangled Banner" on the back of a letter. The burn- 
ing of the capitol and of the White House a few days previous 
by them are well known matters of history. A few days after, 
the British fleet sailed for Baltimore, where they were gallantly 
repulsed with the loss of their commander, General Ross. 
The fleet in passing Mount Vernon, lowered their flags out of 
respect to the memory of the immortal Washington, whose re- 
mains are here entombed. 
4 



50 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

Key was born in Frederick county, Maryland, August I. 
1779. He graduated at St. John's College, Annapolis, Mary- 
land. 

THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER. 

Oh, say, can you see by the dawn's early light 

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, 
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, 

O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming; 
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air. 
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there! 
Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

On that shore, dimly seen through the mist of the deep, 
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, 

What is that which the breeze o'er the towering steep, 
As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses? 

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam 

In full glory reflected now shines on the stream. 

'Tis the star-spangled banner, oh, long may it wave 

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

And where is that foe which so vauntingly swore, 

That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion, 
A home and a country should leave us no more? 

Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution; 
No refuge could save the hireling and slave 
From the terror or flight or the gloom of the grave, 
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! 

Oh, thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand, 

Between their loved homes and the war's desolation; 

Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heaven-rescued land 
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. 

Then conquer we must when our cause it is just, 

And this be our motto, "In God is our trust"; 

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave 

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

—Francis Scott Key, 1814. 




COPYRIGHT 1898, 



BY AOOIE G. WEAVEF 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 51 



INVOCATION TO THE FLAG. 
Dedicated to the D. A. R.'s. 

Our own dear flag, the stripes and stars, 
In peace like "bird of promise" flying". 

When War's dread battles fiercely wage. 
All tyranny and wrong defying. 

Legions beneath its beckoning folds, 

Start at the sound of bugle calling. 
Eager to lift oppression's yoke, 

From fainting brothers, bravely falling. 

Lead on, dear flag, our heroes true, 

O'er mountain pass and wild savanna. 

Till victories by their prowess won, 
Ring a new nation's glad hozanna. 

Float o'er them where they bravely stand, 
The bursting shell and cannon daring, 

And glory wreathe their chaplets fair, 
Who fall, another's burden sharing. 

Wave proudly on, where hastening ships 
Sweep the white wave, like tempest flying. 

Give freedom to the toiling slave, 
Give life to Cuba's children dying. 

Shine on, bright stars, glad folds unroll 

O'er far-off islands care beseeching, 
Lighten old Afric's age of night, 

Give aid to Asia's millions reaching. 

On wings of dawn, where Orient smiles, 

To gates of sunset, ocean laving, 
Bear light and hope, while earth shall hail, 
Our flag, for right and freedom waving. 
June 14th. 1898. 

CARRIE P. GUTHRIE. 



52 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 



UNFURL THE FLAG. 
By Rev. Artemas Jean Haynes, Pastor Plymouth Church, Chicago. 

Unfurl the flag! the flag of freedom's birth — 

The stainless banner of our loyal host; 
Unfurl the flag! proclaim to all the earth 

That war for conquest is not Freedom's boast. 
Shake out the crimson folds in God's great strife — 
Our country's pledge to liberty and life. 

Unfurl the flag! stand forth in Christ's own name— 
For God's dread day of Judgment is at hand; 

Unfurl the flag! and smite with sudden shame. 
Relentless tyrants from our sisterland. 

Each waving fold of white, each star shall bear 

Our love to those whose griefs we seek to share. 

Unfurl the flag! we battle not for gain — 

We march as those who march to right a wrong; 

Unfurl the flag! not to avenge the slain, 

Unfurl it for the weak who trust the strong: 

Fling out the blue! our battle flag unfurled — 

Warfare for love, and freedom for the world. 

Unfurl the flag! red, white and blue wave high- 
Wave on to battle every loyal son; 

Unfurl the flag! hear Thou, O God, our cry — 
Blaze Thou the way until our task be done; 

Until the night falls on the hosts of wrong. 

And morning breaks to Freedom's triumph song. 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 53 



THE AMERICAN FLAG. 
By Joseph Rodman Drake. 

When Freedom from her mountain height 
Unfurled her standard to the air, 

She tore the azure robe of night, 
And set the stars of glory there; 

She mingled with its glorious dyes 

The. milky baldric of the skies, 

And striped its pure celestial white 

With streakings of the morning's light; 

Then from his mansion in the sun 

She called her eagle-bearer down, 

And gave into his mighty hand 

The symbol of her chosen land. 

Majestic monarch of the cloud! 

Who rear'st aloft thy regal form, 
To hear the tempest-trumpings loud, 
And see the lightning lances driven. 

When strive the warriors of the storm, 
And rolls the thunder drum of heaven — 
Child of the sun! to thee 'tis given 
To guard the banner of the free, 
To hover in the sulphur'us smoke, 
To ward away the battle-stroke, 
And bid its blendings shine afar, 
Like rainbows on the cloud of war, 
The harbingers of victory. 

Flag of the brave, thy fclds shall fly 
The sign of hope and triumph high, 
When speaks the signal trumpet tone, 
And the long line comes gleaming on; 
And yet the life blood, warm and wet, 
Has dimmed the glistening bayonet, 



54 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 



Each soldier's eye shall brightly turn, 
To where thy sky-born glories burn; 
And, as his springing steps advance, 
Catch war and vengeance from the glance; 
And when the cannon-mouthings loud, 
Heave in wild wreaths the battle-shroud, 
And gory sabers rise and fall, 
Like shoots of flame on midnight's pall, 
There shall thy meteor glances glow, 

And cowering foes shall sink beneath 
Each gallant arm that strikes below 

That lovely messenger of death. 

Flag of the seas, on ocean wave, 
Thy stars shall glitter o'er the brave: 
When Death, careering on the gale, 
Sweeps darkly round the bellied sail. 
And frighted waves, rush wildly back, 
Before the broadside's reeling rack. 
Each dying wanderer of the sea 
Shall look at once to heaven and thee. 
And smile to see thy splendors fly 
In triumph o'er his closing eye. 

Flag of the free heart's hope and home, 

By angel hands to valor given! 
Thy stars have lit the welkin dome, 

And all thy hues were born in heaven. 
Forever float that standard sheet! 

Where breathes the foe but falls before us. 
With Freedom's soil beneath our feet, 

And Freedom's banner streaming o'er us! 

Fitz Greene Halleck wrote the last four lines of this poem. 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 55 



. BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC. 

This beautiful song, which is set to the tune of "John Brown," 
was written by Julia Ward Howe in 1861 just after her escape 
from a rebel raid when witnessing, with friends, a review of 
troops near Washington. In her dreams she was inspired by the 
beautiful thoughts and she immediately arose, and hastily noted 
them down. 

It is considered one of the grandest battle hymns of the Re- 
public and has been a favorite with several of our presidents. 

BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord! 
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; 
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible, swift sword, 
His truth is marching on! 

I have seen Him in the watchfires of a hundred circling camps, 
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps; 
I have read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps, 
His day is marching on! 

There read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel ; 
"As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal! 
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel. 
Since God is marching on! 

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat! 
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat; 
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet, 
Our God is marching on. 

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, 
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me; 
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, 
While God is marching on. 



56 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 



CHICKAMAUGA. 

This beautiful poem was written during the late war with 
Spain, and is inserted here, as entwined among the lines there is 
a sentiment that appeals to the hearts of the whole people. 

CHICKAMAUGA. 

They are camped on Chickamauga! 

Once again the white tents gleam 
On that field where vanished heroes 

Sleep the sleep that knows no dream. 
There are shadows all about them 

Of the ghostly troops to-day. 
But they light the common campfire — 

Those who wore the blue and gray. 

Where the pines of Georgia tower, 

Where the mountains kiss the sky, 
On their arms the nation's warriors 

Wait to hear the battle cry. 
Wait together, friends and brothers, 

And the heroes 'neath their feet 
Sleep the long and dreamless slumber 

Where the flowers are blooming sweet. 

Sentries, pause, yon shadow challenge! 

Rock-ribbed Thomas goes that way — 
He who fought the foes unyielding 

In that awful battle fray. 
Yonder pass the shades of heroes, 

And they follow where Bragg leads 
Through the meadows and the river, 

But no ghost the sentry heeds. 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. S7 

•Field of fame, a patriot army 

Treads thy sacred sod to-day! 
And they'll fight a common foeman, 

Those who wore the blue and gray, 
And they'll fight for common country, 

And they'll charge to victory 
'Neath the folds of one brave banner — 

Starry banner of the free! 

They are camped on Chickamauga, 

Where the green tents of the dead 
Turn the soil into a glory 

Where a nation's heart once bled; 
But they're clasping hands together 

On this storied field of strife — 
Brothers brave who meet to battle 

In the freedom-war of life! 

— Baltimore News. 






5§ THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 



THE BON HOMME RICHARD FLAG. 

This historic old flag, also known as the Paul Jones Flag, 
composed of thirteen bars and but twelve stars, was unfurled 
by him and borne on the Bon Homme Richard September 23, 
1776, during the action with the British frigate, the "Serapis," 
and is probably the first flag bearing the stars and stripes ever 
hoisted over an American vessel of war, and also the first ever 
saluted by a foreign naval power. 

This flag has been in the family of Mrs. H. R. P. Stafford, 
of Cottage City, Martha's Vineyard, since 1784, and bequeathed 
by her to the National Museum at Washington. 

But it must be remembered that Washington adopted the 
flag made by Betsy Ross five months previous to this. 



"THE OLD THIRTEEN." 
A Leaf from Illinois' History. 

In the little city of Shawneetown which is next in age to 
Kaskaskia, and consequently the second oldest town in the State, 
there reposes a relic of rare value, a genuine flag of Colonial 
days. It was found in the attic of the "Posey" building and is 
supposed to have been placed there by General Posey, who 
served under Washington in the Revolutionary war. The flag 
is now owned by Mr. Robinson, an eminent scientist, who for 
a life-time has taken pains to collect and preserve many valua- 
ble things for Illinois' posterity to see, especially rare Indian 
curios excavated from in and around Shawneetown, which site 
was once the pottery of the Shawanee Indians. 

The old flag is in rather a good state of preservation although 
faded and marred. Its thirteen stars are arranged similar to 
those on "Paul Jones' flag" — in bars, but not horizontal. The 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 59 

rows of stars are placed diagonally and consist of one, three, 
five, three and one, which leaves a star in each corner and five 
forming the center diagonal. Illinois' "Old Thirteen" has been 
framed and covered with glass to preserve it from the ravages of 
Time and to save it for the eyes of the children of coming gen- 
erations. 



COLUMBIA, THE GEM OF THE OCEAN. 

Columbia, the gem of the ocean. 

The home of the brave and the free; 
The shrine of each patriot's devotion, 

A world offers homage to thee; 
Thy mandates make heroes assemble; 

When liberty's form stands in view; 
Thy banners make tyranny tremble. 

When borne by the red, white and blue. 

Three cheers for the red, white and blue, 
Three cheers for the red, white and blue, 
Thy mandates make tyranny tremble. 
When borne by the red, white and blue. 

This song sometimes goes by the title of The Red, White 
and Blue. It was written and composed by David T. Shaw in 
1843; later on, however, it was rearranged by Thomas a Becket, 
Esq., an Englishman. 



6o THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 



HAIL COLUMBIA. 

This was written by Hon. Joseph Hopkinson, of Philadelphia, 
at the request of a young friend — a theatrical singer whose ap- 
peal was for a patriotic song suitable for the times. England 
and France were quarreling and this country was necessarily 
a good deal agitated. 

It was set to the music called The President's March, which 
was composed by Philip Roth, a German, for Gen. Washing- 
ton's inauguration in the City Hall in New York. A great 
many people were for standing by our ally, France, but Gen. 
Washington insisted on strict neutrality ; thus the song was re- 
quired to voice this sentiment. It appealed at once to both parties 
and charmed every one who heard it — was sung night after 
night, audiences joining in the chorus. 



Hail Columbia, happy land! 

Hail, ye heroes, heaven-born band; 

Who fought and bled in freedom's cause. 

Who fought and bled in freedom's cause. 

And when the storm of war was gone 

Enjoyed the peace your valor won; 

Let independence be our boast, 

Ever mindful what it cost, 

Ever grateful for the prize, 

Let the altar reach the skies. 

Chorus — Firm, united let us be, 

Rallying round our liberty; 
As a band of brothers joined, 
Peace and safety shall we find. 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 6l 

"Immortal patriot, rise once more, 
Defend your rights, defend your shore; 
Let no rude foe with impious hand, 
Let no rude foe with impious hand. 
Invade the shrine where sacred lies 
Of toil and blood the well-earned prize, 
While offering peace, sincere and just. 
In heaven we place our manly trust 
That truth and justice shall prevail. 
And every scheme of bondage fail." — Cho. 



DIXIE. 



Southrons, hear your country call you! 
Up, lest worse than death befall you! 

To arms! to arms! to arms in Dixie. 
Lo, all the beaconfires are lighted. 
Let all hearts be now united, 

To arms! to arms! to arms in Dixie. 

Chorus — 
Advance the flag of Dixie! 
Hurrah! Hurrah! 

For Dixie's land we'll take our stand, 
To live or die for Dixie! 
To arms! To arms! 
And conquer peace for Dixie! 
To arms! To arms! 
And conquer peace for Dixie! 

Hear the northern thunders mutter! 
Northern flags in south wind flutter! 

To arms! to arms! to arms in Dixie! 
Send them back your fierce defiance, 
Stamp upon the cursed alliance; 

To arms! to arms! to arms in Dixie! 



62 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

Fear no danger, shun no labor, 
Lift up rifle, pike and saber! 

To arms! to arms! to arms in Dixie! 
Shoulder pressing close to shoulder, 
Let the odds make each heart bolder; 

To arms! to arms! to arms in Dixie! 

Swear upon your country's altar 
Never to give up or falter; 

To arms! to arms! to arms in Dixie! 
Till the spoilers are defeated, 
Till the Lord's work is completed, 

To arms! to arms! to arms in Dixie! 

If the loved ones weep in sadness, 
Victory soon shall bring them gladness, 

To arms! to arms! to arms in Dixie! 
Exultant pride soon banish sorrow; 
Smiles chase tears away to-morrow; 

To arms! to -arms! to arms in Dixie! 

Chorus — 
Advance the flag of Dixie! 
Hurrah! Hurrah! 

In Dixie's land we'll take our stand, 
To live or die for Dixie! 
To arms! To arms! 
And conquer peace for Dixie! 
To arms! To arms! 
And conquer peace for Dixie! 

—[Albert Pike. 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 63 



TERRITORIAL EXPANSION. 

Washington took the oath of office as first President of the 
United States on the steps of Federal Hall in Wall street, New 
York city, April 30, 1789, and for a short time the seat of gov- 
ernment was here before being changed to Philadelphia. 

The history of how Alexander Hamilton, the great Secretary 
of the Treasury under Washington, made the trade with Jeffer- 
son whereby the present site of the capital was selected is in- 
teresting, as showing that Hamilton, while constructing a pow- 
erful centralized government with skill and ability, as even Jef- 
ferson's biographer admits, cared little about the location of 
the capital itself. The Southern States wanted it on the Po- 
tomac; the Middle and Eastern States wished it to be further 
north. Hamilton wanted the government to assume the State 
debts, brought about by the war. Jefferson and his party were 
opposed to it. Hamilton finally secured the support of Jeffer- 
son and his friends in Congress in support of the assumption, 
while he delivered to the Jefferson party the location of the 
capital at Washington. In after years this was a source of great 
discomfort to Jefferson, he claiming to have been duped by 
Hamilton. 

ACQUISITION OF TERRITORY. 

LOUISIANA. 

In 1800 Napoleon forced Spain to cede Louisiana back to 
France, after thirty-seven years of ownership. The idea of La- 
Salle, who had looked forward to establishing here a new France, 
was long since forgotten, but Napoleon, now in the zenith of 
his power, formed the brilliant plan of colonizing this great 
country from the Mississippi to the Rockies and from the Gulf 
to the British possessions in the North, thereby hemming in 



64 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

the United States. Napoleon tried to subdue the Island of 
San Domingo, with the idea of using it as an outside base of 
supplies, but his troops were terribly slaughtered by the natives, 
and the army that he intended to send to Louisiana never came. 
About this time Napoleon was busy looking after England, and 
as after events proved needed all of his troops at home. He 
succeeded, however, in creating great alarm in America. The 
settlers west of the Alleghenies were especially disturbed. The 
Mississippi was practically closed for navigation, as the Span- 
iards, who held possession of New Orleans, would not allow 
them to bring their products down the river and reship, as had 
long been the custom. 

President Jefferson appointed James Monroe and Livingston, 
then our minister at Paris, to call on Napoleon, and, if pos- 
sible, purchase West Florida and New Orleans, the amount 
to be paid not to exceed $3,000,000. 

Napoleon was very much in need of money to conduct his 
war against England, and his disastrous attempt to subdue the 
natives of San Domingo probably made him decide to offer 
the whole of Louisiana, which he did for $15,000,000. This 
great purchase was consummated by Monroe in 1803. This 
was the greatest act of Jefferson's administration, but the people 
bitterly opposed it, claiming that we had no use for the addi- 
tional territory. Napoleon said that in selling Louisiana to 
the United States "he had placed a thorn where England would 
some day feel it." The acquisition of Louisiana more than 
doubled the area of the United States, which was 827,844 square 
miles, increasing it to 1,999,775 square miles. It constitutes 
about ten of our largest States to-day. 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 65 

FLORIDA. 

This State, with all its old traditions, has seen many vicissi- 
tudes. It belonged to Spain from 1565 until 1763, nearly one 
hundred years, when Great Britain traded Cuba for it. In 
1 78 1, the British were expelled by Spain and that country again 
assumed possession of Florida. In a very few years the in- 
ability which Spain has ever shown to properly govern her Co- 
lonial possessions was manifest. A war broke out between the 
Spaniards and the Seminole Indians of Florida and soon the 
whole State was in a condition of virtual anarchy. Embold- 
ened by their successes in warfare, the Indians molested the fron- 
tier of Georgia. The Government of the United States then 
took an action which constituted a precedent for its action in 
invading Cuba in the late war with Spain. It despatched a mili- 
tary force into Florida under command of General Andrew 
Jackson. He virtually took possession of Florida and speedily 
restored order. His conduct excited much debate in Congress 
and in the Cabinet, a strong anti-expansion sentiment develop- 
ing. The matter was finally settled by purchasing Florida from 
Spain for $5,000,000. This was done in 1819. Emigration 
poured into the territory from the States further north and soon 
the value of Florida as an acquisition to the country became evi- 
dent and the anti-expansion sentiment died away. In 1845 
Florida was admitted into the Union as a State. In 1861 it 
seceded with other Southern States and returned again to the 
Union in 1868. 

It may be pertinent right here to say that when the United 
States buys or comes into possession of a tract of land it be- 
comes the property of the country and is called a Territory, 
and under the Constitution it is so treated, without representa- 
tion in Congress until such time as it is admitted into the Union 
and becomes one of the United States. 
5 



66 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 



TEXAS. 

This great Territory comprising 370,472 square miles origi- 
nally belonged to Mexico. In 1820 Moses Austin, a native 
of Connecticut, obtained a grant of land and threw it open to 
settlement by people from the United States, mostly the South- 
ern States. In a few years more than 20,000 had settled there 
and the strong Anglo-Saxon spirit of liberty began to rebel 
against the oppressive Mexican rule. In a few years this feel- 
ing burst into an open revolt. Texans met and declared their 
independence and formed a Republic and placed an army in 
the field under Gen. Sam. Houston. He met the Mexicans un- 
der Gen. Santa Anna at San Jacinto in 1836 and gained a com- 
plete victory, thus achieving the independence of Texas. Next 
year Texas applied for admission into the Union but no action 
was taken by Congress for several years. Meantime in the north 
a strong sentiment had developed against the institution of slav- 
ery. The subject was vigorously agitated in the pulpit, in lit- 
erature and in public. The Southern people, perceiving the 
strength of the opposition to their favorite institution, deter- 
mined in self defense to acquire more territory for the sake of 
the strength additional votes would give them, and so in 1844 
the proposal to admit Texas came up in Congress in earnest. 

No concealment of the underlying purpose was made by 
the Southern Congressmen who led the movement. A bitter 
struggle followed but the annexationists prevailed and in 1845 
the "Lone Star State," as Texas had been called, was added 
to the Union. The South welcomed the new comer with great 
demonstrations, but the greetings of the North were not cor- 
dial, for in that section it was clearly understood that a great 
extension was given to slave territory. 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 67 



NEW MEXICO AND ARIZONA. 

The vast territory included in these two Territories was ac- 
quired mostly from Mexico in 1848 as one of the terms of the 
treaty of peace between the United States and that country made 
after the war of 1846-47. The war with Mexico was brought 
about by the refusal of the Mexican Government to concede the 
claims of Texas to land between the Rio Grande and the Nueces 
Rivers. The actual rights in the case were somewhat obscure, 
but war was eagerly undertaken by the Southern people, who 
believed that a further extension of slave territory would be the 
ultimate result. The North was less enthusiastic, for this rea- 
son, but sent a quota of troops into the field before whose valor, 
directed by commanding officers who later became prominent 
in the great war of the Rebellion, the Mexican armies were 
defeated. The United States paid Mexico $15,000,000 for the 
territory ceded under the treaty and in addition paid $3,500,000 
in settlement of the claims of private individuals. The bound- 
ary line remained in dispute for five years more, until 1853, 
when James Gadsden negotiated a treaty with Mexico settling 
all questions. Under its terms the United States gained the 
Mesilla Valley, forming the southern part of what is now New 
Mexico and Arizona, and comprising 20,000,000 acres. The 
United States paid Mexico $10,000,000 for this land which was 
afterwards known as the Gadsden purchase and is so marked 
on the larger maps issued by the Interior Department at Wash- 
ington. Including the territory acquired by the Mexican war, 
the State of Texas and that included in the Gadsden purchase, 
the whole area is sufficient to make one hundred and seventy 
States the size of Connecticut. 



68 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

CALIFORNIA. 

This great State was ceded to us by Mexico, being part of 
that country before the war. In 1848 gold was discovered by 
Capt. Sutter in a river near Sacramento. On examination gold 
was found to occur in abundance. News of the wonderful 
discovery drew an immense emigration into California from 
all parts of the world, the majority of those traveling across 
the plains by the way of the Isthmus of Panama being, of course, 
from the United States. The people who poured into the golden 
State lost no time in applying for admission into the Union. 
In 1849, one y ear a f ter Sutter's discovery, the State presented 
itself at the door of Congress. In 1850 California was admitted. 
The celerity of the operation was due to the fact the North 
recognized, that California would offset to an extent the growth 
of slave territory actually made by the admission of Texas and 
threatened in Arizona and New Mexico, areas peculiarly adapted 
by climate and other conditions to the institution of slavery. 

Oregon, Washington and Idaho were part of what was called 
the great Oregon country. They were acquired under an agree- 
ment with Great Britain in 1846. The United States claimed 
the territory up to the parallel of 54° 49', but a compromise 
was made and the 49th parallel accepted as the dividing line 
between the L T nited States and the British possessions. The 
.country north of the line is now known as British Columbia. 

ALASKA. 

Alaska, whose area is equal to about 120 States the size of 
Connecticut, became the property of the United States in 1867 
by purchase from Russia. The sum paid for it was $7,000,000. 
The purchase, negotiated by Secretary of State Seward, was de- 
nounced by many as an extravagant use of public funds be- 
cause Alaska appeared to be practically worthless. The Gov- 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 69 

eminent, however, unheeding the kind of criticism paid $200,000 
in addition to the first price named to extinguish the rights of 
various commercial companies and thus acquired a clear title. 
It was soon found the supposed ice bound land was full of 
wealth in fisheries and lumber, the income from seal fisheries 
alone amounting in one year to $2,500,000. Alaska's wealth in 
gold was, however, not suspected until recent years and not 
demonstrated until the summer of 1896, when the now famous 
treasure ship arrived in San Francisco having on board over 
$600,000 in gold, the property of 50 prospectors who had washed 
it out of the bars of the creeks emptying into the Yukon river. 
Alaska, the "ice bound, inhospitable desert of the north," as 
it was designated in 1868, was a Mecca for the world for the 
next few months and thousands braved the dangers of Chil- 
koot pass to search for the yellow metal, and at this time it is 
estimated over 50,000 people are in that part of the Territory 
which two years ago was practically uninhabited. 

GENERAL GRANT ON EXPANSION. 

President Grant in his second inaugural address, March 4, 
1873, thus expressed himself: "I do not share in the appre- 
hension held by many as to the danger of governments becom- 
ing weakened and destroyed by reason of their extension of ter- 
ritory. Commerce, education and rapid transit of thought and 
matter by telegraph and steam have changed all this. Rather, 
I believe that our Great Maker is preparing the world, in his 
own good way to become one nation, speaking one language, 
and when armies and navies will no longer be required." 

HAWAII, CUBA, PORTO RICO, AND THE PHILIPPINES. 
These great and interesting acquisitions to our territory have 
not yet entered the blue field of our flag. To a great nation 
and to a humane people they will look for that protection which 



70 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

has been pledged to them; and if it is decided that these people 
shall live under our starry flag, no one can look back over its 
history and doubt the strength and breadth of its folds. 

THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI. 

This historic and patriotic order was named after the famous 
Roman Dictator and Patriot, Cincinnatus, and was founded in 
May, 1783, on the banks of the Hudson, by the American and 
French officers who had gathered there at the close of the Revo- 
lutionary war. 

The resolution adopted at the forming of the society con- 
tained these words: "To perpetuate, therefore, as well the re- 
membrance of this vast event as the mutual friendships which 
have been formed, of common danger, and, in many instances, 
cemented by the blood of the parties, the officers of the Ameri- 
can Army do hereby, in the most solemn manner, associate, 
constitute and combine themselves into one society of friends 
to endure as long as they shall endure, or any of their eldest 
male posterity, and in failure thereof the collateral branches who 
may be judged worthy of becoming its supporters and defend- 
ers." 

Owing to the. great distances between the different States, 
and the fact that at that time the means of transportation were 
slow and uncertain, it was deemed best to form societies in 
each of the thirteen States. This was done. One was also 
organized in France under the patronage of Louis XVI. 

The original members included the names of Washington, 
Greene, Hamilton, Lafayette, Rochambeau, and Paul Jones; 
in fact, all the historic military and naval characters of the Revo- 
lution. Among the honorary members elected for their own 
lives only were the names of many signers of the Declaration 
of Independence. 

On the pages of the country's history appears no darker 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. J I 

spot than that placed there by the Congress of the United States 
in its failure to give its soldiers the promised half pay for their 
services, forcing them to leave their homes and emigrate to 
the wild lands west of the Alleghenies, which were given to 
them in lieu of money. On this account several of the orders 
in the different States went out of existence. 

The patriotic societies of the country, the names of which 
are given here, were all formed for the purpose of perpetuating 
the memory of events and of the men who in military, naval 
and civil positions of high trust and responsibility, "kept step 
to the music of the Union." 

The preservation of historical records and manuscripts and 
the promoting of fraternal intercourse among their members are 
the main inspirations of all of these patriotic societies: 

Society of Colonial Wars. 

Sons of the Revolution. 

Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. 

Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. 

Grand Army of the Republic. 

Sons of Veterans U. S. A. 

There are three great patriotic societies, organized by the 
women of America, known as the Daughters of the Revolution, 
Colonial Dames, and the Mayflower, that may outstrip all other 
societies in the value and importance of their work. 



72 



THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 



DATES OF ADMISSION OF THE STATES. 



Delaware, Dec. 7, 1787. 
Pennsylvania, Dec. 12, 1787. 
New Jersey, Dec. 18, 1787. 
Georgia, Jan. 2, 1788. 
Connecticut, Jan. 9, 1788. 
Massachusetts, Feb. 6, 1788. 
Maryland, April 28, 1788. 
South Carglina, May 23, 1788. 
New Hampshire, June 21, 1788. 
Virginia, June 25, 1788. 
New York, July 26, 1788. 
North Carolina, Nov. 21, 1789. 
Rhode Island, May 29, 1790. 
Vermont, March 4, 1791. 
Kentucky, June 1, 1792. 
Tennessee, June 1, 1796. 
Ohio, Feb. 19, 1803. 
Louisiana, April 30, 1812. 
Indiana, Dec. 11, 1816. 
Mississippi, Dec. 10, 1817. 
Illinois, Dec. 3, 1818. 
Alabama, Dec. 14, 1819. 
Maine, March 15, 1820. 



Missouri, Aug. 10, 1821. 
Arkansas, June 15, 1836. 
Michigan, Jan. 26, 1837. 
Florida, March 3, 1845. 
Texas, Sept. 29, 1845. 
Iowa, Dec. 28, 1846. 
Wisconsin, May 29, 1848. 
California, Sept. 9, 1850. 
Minnesota, May 11, 1858. 
Oregon, Feb. 14, 1859. 
Kansas, Jan. 29, 1861. 
West Virginia, June 19, 1863. 
Nevada, Oct. 31, 1864. 
Nebraska, March 1, 1867. 
Colorado, Aug. 1, 1876. 
North Dakota and 
South Dakota, Nov. 2, 1889. 
Montana, Nov. 8, 1889. 
Washington, Nov. 11, 1889. 
Idaho, July 3, 1890. 
Wyoming, July 10, 1890. 
Utah, 1894. 



DATES OF ORGANIZATION. 



Arizona, Feb. 24, 1863. 
Alaska, July 27, 1868. 
Indian Territory, June 30, 1834. 



Oklahoma, April 22, 1889. 
District of Columbia, March 3, 1791. 
New Mexico, Sept. 9, 1850. 



Commodore Perry carried our flag in 1854 into the harbors 
of Japan, and the first commercial treaty with that nation was 
made by and with the United States. 




I i t 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 75 

SAVE THE OLD FLAG HOUSE. 
THE HOME OF BETSY ROSS. 

The objects of the American Flag House and Betsy Ross Memorial 
Association are to purchase and preserve the historic building, situated 
at No. 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa., in which the first flag of the 
L'nited States of America was made by Betsy Ross and subsequently 
adopted by Congress, June 14th, 1777, and to erect a national memorial in 
honor of this illustrious woman. 

All loyal American hearts will welcome the glad tidings that active 
steps have been taken to purchase the birthplace of the Star Spangled 
Banner, and under the auspices of the American Flag House and Betsy 
Ross Memorial Association shall henceforth be preserved as a lasting 
tribute to those whose heroism resulted in establishing that freedom 
which a united people are to-day enjoying. 

Appreciating the importance of preserving this relic of the Revolu- 
tion, a number of patriotic gentlemen of this and other States have taken 
the matter in hand, thus making the movement national in its scope. 

Numerous attempts have been made in the past to remove this his- 
toric building to other cities. The present plans provide that it shall 
remain in Philadelphia, where it rightfully belongs, there to be held in 
trust for the nation. 

It has been left to the option of the American people whether the 
birthplace of their national emblem shall be permitted to pass into ob- 
livion. 

This landmark should be the mecca and shrine of the whole nation. 
It was associated with one of the most memorable incidents of our early 
history, and it is most fitting that it should be preserved for future gen- 
erations. 

Like "Independence Hall," wherein the Declaration of Independence 
was signed, and Faneuil Hall, the cradle of liberty, it speaks most elo- 
quently of the men and women to whom we owe our freedom. 

While we honor the heroes of the past, let us not forget to preserve 
the mementoes associated with them. Such relics increase in value as 
they are transmitted from one generation to another and form object les- 
sons in history. 

To follow our flag from its birth until to-day would be to write a 
history which stands absolutely alone, and from the day of its creation 



76 THE STORY OF OUR FLAG: 

to the present time it has never trailed in the dust, being the only ex- 
ception among the flags of the world. It is not that we have not been 
called upon to defend it and the underlying principles for which it stands, 
for to-day as we celebrate the anniversaries of victories on land and sea 
we cannot but recall, with mingled pride and pleasure, the achievements 
won under its glorious folds, and when our patriots, inspired by a God- 
like devotion to flag and country, performed deeds of daring that mark 
their efforts as the most signal ever accomplished under any flag by any 
heroes of any nation. 

With all these glorious deeds, and others that must necessarily follow, 
let us as a grateful, patriotic people see to it that the birthplace of our 
nation's flag be preserved as a holy shrine. 

With the view of making the movement a popular one. arrangements 
have been made to have all Americans, of every shade of religious and 
political opinion, affiliate alike, and by their participation to become the 
preservers of the birthplace of the "Stars and Stripes." 

On these broad principles souvenir certificates of membership in this 
Association will be issued at a nominal price, and the names of all sub- 
scribers placed on the roll of honor. 

Any person desiring to see the Old Flag House saved and Betsy 
Ross honored may become a member of the "American Flag House and 
Betsy Ross Memorial Association" upon the payment of 10 cents, for 
which they will receive a beautiful certificate of membership, sixe 11x14, 
duly signed by the officers of the Association, and bearing the seal and 
certificate number. Upon these certificates in the centre is artistically 
portrayed the room in which Betsy Ross displayed the first Stars and 
Stripes to the committee appointed by Congress, consisting of General 
Washington, Robert Morris and Hon. George Ross. On the left is an 
exterior picture of the Old Flag House as it stands to-day, while on the 
right is the picture of the grave of Betsy Ross, at Mt. Moriah Cemetery. 

These certificates will be mailed to any address upon the receipt 
of ioc. 

NOTICE. 

A large reproduction, in ten colors, size 22x28 inches, of the original 
painting, "Birth of Our Nation's Flag," by Charles H. Weisgerber, first 
exhibited at the World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893, will be 
presented as a souvenir to any person forming a club of thirty members, 
inclusive. These premium pictures will not be for sale, and when the 
objects of the Association are attained the plates will be destroyed; thus 



COLONIAL AND NATIONAL. 77 

they will become a valuable family heirloom. For upon them will be 
engrossed the name of the individual forming the club, as follows: 

"Presented to of 

by the American Flag House and Betsy Ross Memorial Association, for 
aiding in the preservation of the Birthplace of our Nation's Flag, and 
for the erection of a National Memorial in Honor of Betsy Ross, and 
stamped with the seal of the Association." 

The picture referred to above is an exact representation of the room 
in which the first American Flag was made by Betsy Ross, which was 
subsequently adopted by Congress. June 14, 1777, and is the only en- 
dorsed portrait representation of Betsy Ross by her living descendants. 
Address all communications to 

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, Secretary, 
Old Flag House, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 



-. 



* A 









v o o 









.: 



A \ 

,0o. 



CV 



:, ^ 



,0 o. 









o o 






^ ^ 



,0 o. 



' * K * A \3 



^ ^ 



A^ V <V 



^ « 




,6 V 






V 



Oo 



oo % 



^ * 8 1 ^ 



. ^ 



A 



A * v ^ 






o_ 



-V 



^ ~% 


^° 


°S, 




c£- 


~\ 












""-/- 


> cy 








'V s " ' 






V. 't-;. 


%t 








^% 






















J ^i? 


\° c 


A 


~T, 





oo x 



,0 o. 



•^ 



,0 o 






0& 



O0 1 



A 







A v 






\° 






.V" % 






A 



-S^e. 



^ - (d\ 



/^ 






V* 




iV c 






&*** 

V 






9 ~<c A X 



vV ^. *i 



















%# 







% " v 



<*V r 


















^ 



7 ^ 



















CO 


















